Prepare your session
Tips on preparing this week's sessions for children and young people
Use the Jump menu on the right to find Bible notes and other resources.
Prepare your children's session
Prepare your very young children's session
Prepare your young people's session
Prepare your children's session
Read Bible notes on Mark 4.26-34
As disciples and especially as children’s leaders we cannot force a child to grow in faith, but how might you create the right environment and provide helpful resources to encourage growth? How are you seeing God’s kingdom values flourish in your local area and church?
Keep in mind, as you prepare and lead the sessions, that growth in faith can be an adventure, where fruitfulness is the ultimate goal, and that even seeds sown together sprout at different rates. Allow space and time for the children to consider their own growing adventure. Have fun with the metaphor and – like the gardener – have patience with sowing, nurturing and harvesting!
Provide the following play materials for very young children throughout the session: a tray of pulses and seeds, with containers and spoons to scoop and pour.
Prepare your very young children's session
Provide the following play materials for very young children throughout the session: a tray of pulses and seeds, with containers and spoons to scoop and pour.
Prepare your young people's session
Read Bible notes on Mark 4.26-34
The idea of God’s kingdom being like a mustard seed gives a clear idea of something big coming from something small, but the seed Jesus chooses is surprising. A mustard tree wasn’t an impressive tree, it was garden shrub – a reminder that God’s kingdom will appear in surprising places and may not be what we expect. Can you think of any surprising places you have seen God at work? Who were the people who in small ways grew your faith?
Try to help the young people understand that faith is more than rules or rituals; it is an adventure and they might be surprised where they see God at work.